The Ultimate 14 Day Road Trip Along Western Norway and the Fjords of Norway
Why Norway is Calling your Name
Norway offers a road trip perfect for those over 50. You’ll find that Norway isn’t just a country. It’s an unfolding masterpiece of mountain passes, mirror-like fjords, and charming coastal towns. The road trip in Norway, for those who appreciate the journey as much as the destination, offers freedom and calm. You can pair it with Hurtigruten’s legendary coastal voyage for an awe-inspiring experience.
For a more in depth look at Norway, visit my page on Norway. You can find it in my Destinations tab at Glamorous Gallivant
At Glamorous Gallivant, I specialise in creating unforgettable travel experiences for adventurers over 50’s. This road trip in Norway is just perfect. It is one of my personal favourites. This route takes you from Bergen to Tromsø. It showcases the best of the Western Fjords, Arctic charm, and scenic roads. The journey proceeds at a pace that lets you truly soak it in.
Read on to discover how my unforgettable adventure unfolded. I travelled up the length of Norway from Bergen to Tromsø. The journey combined both roads and fjords.
Overview of the my Norwegian Road Trip – Fjords and Four Wheels
- Start: Bergen
- End: Tromsø
- Duration: 10–14 days. You can adapt it to suit
- Style: Self-drive through fjords + Hurtigruten from Trondheim
- Car Rentals: check toll roads/ferry tolls included or not
Best Time of Year for your Road Trip
The ideal period for a road trip from Bergen to Tromsø spans from late May to early September. The roads are clear, attractions are open, and the weather is at its best.
The months June – August are peak season with more tourists, especially in places like Geiranger, Lofoten and Tromsø. Therefore if you can plan your Norwegian escape either side of these months, you’ll encounter less busy roads and towns.
A Few Considerations for You on Your Road Trip in Norway
There is a Automatic Toll system in Norway – no booths, no stopping. Your car’s license plate is photographed, and you’re billed automatically. Typical rates: 10–50 NOK (€1–€5) per toll point. However, electric cars go free or at least 50% off.
So if You’re Driving a Rental Car
Most rental cars are equipped with an AutoPASS tag (Norway’s toll payment system).
Basically, the rental company will charge you later, often with a small admin fee. Ask your rental company at pickup how they handle toll charges.
So if You’re Driving a Foreign Car (Own Vehicle)
You must register your vehicle online before using Norwegian roads. You’ll be billed monthly after using toll roads. Link a credit card for automatic billing. Visit www.epcplc.com or autopass.no
How Ferries Work in Norway (for Drivers)
Ferries are a key part of Norway’s road network. This is especially true in the fjord regions where bridges or tunnels are just not practical. They form part of official road routes eg. E39.
They run frequently in the summer and are included in most rental car toll systems as per above. If you are driving with your own car, you can pre-register for AutoPASS for ferry here to get lower rates. Alternatively, just pay as a guest driver each crossing.
The Hurtigruten is Not Part of the Ferry System
Hurtigruten is not included in AutoPASS for ferries. It is a long-distance coastal cruise/ferry service, not part of Norway’s public road ferry system. Travelling along the fjords of Norway on the Hurtigruten is an entirely different experience to the ferries.
It is essential that you pre-book your passage on the Hurtigruten and also in addition, book your car on board. Car space is limited so ensure that this is arranged well before your road trip. It is well worth it!
Go at Your Own Pace
To ensure your road trip in Norway is perfect for you, make sure you allow enough time. This applies whether you are over 50 or not. Considering the distances involved, think about how far you want to drive each day. Also, decide how slow you want to take it. Do not forget that you will be stopping regularly for that perfect photograph. To help you plan, I have provided options. These options show how many days each stage of your road trip in Norway could be.
You will have to be at your Hurtigruten embarkation points in good time. The regular road ferries work on a simple hop on/off basis.
Day 1–2: Bergen – The Gateway to the Fjords of Norway
Arrive in Bergen, your starting point and enjoy a couple of days here as you wish. Base yourself in the Bryggen area or the luxury boutique Opus XVI Hotel. This is the perfect road trip starting point in Norway for everyone – over 50’s or not!
Wander the cobbled streets of UNESCO-listed Bryggen. Sip coffee overlooking Vågen Harbour. Treat yourself to a cinnamon bun, the size of football, at Godt Brød. After, hop on the Fløibanen funicular to marvel at the panoramic views of the city and harbour below.
Bergen is the perfect coastal town to welcome you on your road trip in Norway. It is also the ideal starting point for subsequent adventures along the fjords.
Don’t miss in Bergen:
- Fish market for a light lunch
- Edvard Grieg’s villa for a cultural pause
- Sunset walk at Nordnes Park
Recommended Accommodation in Bergen:
Day 3–5: Self-Drive Road Trip Bergen to Geirangerfjord
- Distance: 534kms
- Journey time: 8.30 hrs
- Route: via Dale → Voss → Stalheim → Flåm → Lærdal Tunnel → Sogndalsfjøra → Skei → Hellesylt → Geiranger
Pick up your car and head inland toward Norway’s most famous fjords. This drive is nothing short of cinematic—hairpin turns, thundering waterfalls, and mountain plateaus that belong in storybooks. Both Flåm and Gereigerfjord are excellent stopping points to enjoy Norway’s fjords at their very best.
Recommended Stops & Highlights on Your Norwegian Road Trip
Voss – a pretty town by Lake Vangsvatnet, surrounded by mountains. You can ride the Voss Gondola for some great views or just stretch your legs along the water. By the way, despite the name, Voss water does not actually come from the town of Voss itself. It originates in southern Norway, over 350kms south of Voss!
Tvindefossen – a popular waterfall on the E16 between Voss and Flåm.
Flåm – a tiny village with big scenery, tucked at end of the Aurlandsfjord, a branch of the famous Sognefjord. It’s known for breathtaking fjord views, the iconic Flåm Railway, and easy access to outdoor adventures.
Lærdals Tunnel – the longest tunnel in the world, stretching 24.5 km (15.2 miles) through the mountains of western Norway. It takes about 20 minutes to drive though.
It is designed with psychological comfort in mind—gentle curves, smooth lighting, and safe zones. Three illuminated “caverns” break up the drive. They are lit with calming blue and yellow lights. This reduces driver fatigue and creates visual interest.
Briksdal and Bøyabreen Glaciers – short walks to these arms of the Jostedalsbreen glacier
Loen Skylift – ride to 1,011m above fjord for epic views and lunch
Geirangerfjord Ferry – Great fjord cruising experience. The ferry that you’ll catch from Hellesylt to Geiranger is one of Norway’s most beautiful fjord cruises. It’s sail past Seven Sisters waterfall, giving you a perfect view.
Geiranger Skywalk (Dalsnibba) – Europe’s highest fjord viewpoint by road. It is a 30min detour but amazing.
Recommended Accommodation En Route:
- Fretheim Hotel in Flåm, historic, spa, garden, central location
- Flåmsbrygga Hotel in Flåm, boutique + brewery, balcony fjord views
- Hofslund Fjord Hotel in Sogndalsfjøra , fjordside property
- Kviknes Hotel in Sognadalsfjøra, Swiss chalet style by the fjord
- Hotel Union Geiranger with fjord-view spa
- Hotel Brosundet in Ålesund, built into an old warehouse
Day 6–8: Greiranger – Trondheim
- Distance: 375kms
- Journey time: 8.15hrs
- Route: via Eidsdal → Trollstigen →Romsdalen → Åfarnes → Molde → Kristiansund → Eide → Kanestraum Ferry → Halsa → Orkanger → Trondheim
Ready for some more “Wow” moments, well this section of the self-drive adventure will not disappoint. Get ready for your hairpin bends, gorges and panoramic platforms where your cameras will be in overdrive. Your road trip in Norway is about to reach new heights.
Recommended Stops & Highlights on Your Norwegian Road Trip
Ørnesvingen (Eagle Road)– will take you via hairpin bends to the Ørnesvingen lookout
Eidsdal-Linge Ferry – where the road turns into water [F63]
Trollstigen mountain road (The Troll’s Road) (check live updates re opening) [Fv63] -hairpin bends and dramatic scenery
Romsdalseggen ridge & Trollveggen cliff [E136] – a thrilling ridge walk with spectacular views including Europe’s highest vertical cliff, Trollveggen
The Atlantic Road – 8 bridges connecting a string of small islands and skerries. The gravity-defying curve of Storseisundet Bridge is captivating [E64/Rv64]
Tingvollfjorden – beautiful drive along the fjord and forested hills surrounding you [Rv70]
Kanestraum – Halsa Ferry [E39] – modern efficient car ferry operated by Fjord1
Trondheim – where history shines through cobbled streets and cathedrals.
Don’t miss in Trondheim:
- Nidaros Cathedral (Nidarosdomen
- Old Town Bridge (Gamle Bybro)
- Explore Bakklandet
Recommended Accommodation En Route:
- Hotel Aak, Åndalsnes – comfortable with nice views
- Molde Fjordhotell by Classic Norway – waterfront hotel
- Håholmen by Classic Norway Hotels – unique location, good rooms
- Thon Hotel Kristiansund – nice views and good sized rooms
- Britannia Hotel , Trondheim – beautifully restored and steeped in old-world elegance
- Scandic Bakklandet, Trondheim – chic Nordic design in popular Bakklandet
Day 9–12: Coastal Voyage (Trondheim to Stamsund, Lofoten Islands)
Board your pre-booked Hurtigruten for your coastal voyage north (probably morning). It’s not a cruise; it’s a lifeline of the coast and part of daily life for Norwegians. See below for more info on the Hurtigruten. It’s a wonderful way to travel up the long western coast of Norway with just the most spectacular scenery.
For those over 50 or not, one part of this road trip in Norway stands out. The Lofoten Islands are perfect. They are truly very special and there is almost a magical feeling about them. So, however, you plan your trip, do not miss these islands out!
Most people seemed to use it on a passenger only basis when I did it. Make sure to book your car on board if you still want it for your self-drive adventure! It is a very easy and efficient mode of travel and extremely enjoyable.
Make sure you book a seaview cabin to gain the best experience on your sail to Stamsund. You will arrive at the Lofoten Islands the following evening.
Recommended Stops & Highlights on Your Norwegian Road Trip
Reine – village with dramatic mountain backdrops, red fisherman’s cabins & Arctic fjords
Hamøoy Bridge – picture perfect photos
Å village – fishing village at the end of the road in the Lofoten Islands
Nursfjortd – beautifully preserved fishing village (UNESCO listed)
Henningsvær – one of the most picturesque and vibrant fishing villages in the Lofoten Islands
Henningsvær Football Pitch – perched on a rocky islet its one of the most photographed pitches in the world
Svolvær – Art galleries and cod fishing history
Stokmarknes – Home of the Hurtigruten Museum
Trollfjord – A dramatic detour if conditions allow
Reinebringen, Lake Ågvatnet, Ryten & Kvalvika Beach, Offersøykammen, Festvågtind – all great hikes
Recommended Accommodation En Route:
In the Lofoten Islands, rorbu cabins are traditional fisherman’s cabins. The term in plural is rorbuer. They were originally built to house seasonal cod fishermen along the coast of northern Norway. They are built over water or right at the shoreline and are typically painted red, yellow or white.
Today, many have been beautifully restored and transformed into cosy, authentic accommodation for travellers. Don’t worry, if this does not appeal to you there are a number of smaller hotels offering good accommodation.
- Reine Rorbuer – waterfront cabins in Reine
- Svinøya Rorbuer – waterfront cabins in Svinøya
- Anker Brygge – waterfront cabins in Svolvær
- Scandic Svolvær – modern, harbour hotel
- HenningsæarBryggehotell – waterfront, boutique hotel
- Trevefabrikken – hip and rustic former factor in Henningsvær
Day 12–14: Svolvær – Tromsø – Arctic Calm
Time to re-board your pre-booked Hurtigruten to take you further north up the fjords of Norway to Tromsø. You can board from Stamsund again if you wish but i decided to board from Svolvær. You must work this out before your trip. Ensure the correct Hurtigruten passage is booked.
Following another overnight sail, you will finally disembark in Tromsø, Norway’s “Gateway to the Arctic.” Tromsø is a vibrant city, walkable and easy to explore at your own pace. There are lots of cafés to stop, refuel and maybe enjoy the odd pastry.
Don’t miss in Tromsø:
- Visit the Arctic Cathedral
- Cable car to Mount Storsteinen
- Chase the Northern Lights (Sept–Mar)
- Enjoy slow afternoons with a book and a view
Recommended Accommodation in Tromsø:
Packing Tips
- Dress in layers: Norway’s weather is famously changeable
- Waterproof boots and a light jacket are essential
- Don’t forget gloves—even in summer, Arctic breezes bite
Final Thoughts
This Bergen-to-Tromsø route offers the best of both worlds. It combines the independence of a road trip in Norway with the serenity of a classic sea voyage. You’ll taste the salt air, meet locals in tiny towns, and drive roads that feel untouched by time. It is, without a doubt, an ideal road trip in Norway for those over 50 drivers. It also appeals to anyone who loves the independence and adventure of the open road.
After over 2 weeks of fjord-hopping, road-tripping, and ferry-sailing, I felt I had experienced Norway at its very best. I left feeling in awe of its stunning beauty.
Some Useful Information on the Hurtigruten
The Hurtigruten is a long-distance cruise/ferry service. It links up the western coast of Norway from Bergen in the south to Kirkenes in the north. It includes 34 ports in Norway and provides a regular, all year round lifeline to this part of Norway.
The port-to-port trips offer you the chance to create your own unique journey along the Norwegian coast. You can choose where you get on and off – with either a one way ticket or a return trip.
Sit back and enjoy the incredible scenery as you travel north or south along the coast. There are restaurants, cafés, and a bar on board. For those looking for something more energetic, there is even a gym.
The crew also give informative talks on Norway. They cover its history and wildlife. These talks are perfect for those looking for something more cerebral. They also offer optional shore excursions at some of the popular ports. Alternatively, you can just wander around independently.
This method of traveling along the coast is highly efficient and enjoyable. Hence, booking your trip in advance is essential. This is crucial if you are traveling with a car. Vehicle spaces are limited on board the Hurtigruten.
Make sure you opt for a seaview cabin. This way, you can marvel at the view from the comfort of your cabin.
This stretch showcases Norway’s most dramatic coastal terrain—especially in Lofoten and the Arctic Circle. The Hurtigruten’s hop on/off style of travel will not disappoint – not even for the cruise non-aficonados amongst you.
